DIY IT solutions are becoming increasingly popular among smaller businesses. With countless tutorials and tools available online, it may seem like an easy and cost-effective way to manage your technology needs. However, unknowingly making small business technology mistakes can lead to serious consequences. Let’s look at common pitfalls and discuss why seeking professional IT support is essential to avoid these costly errors.

Why Do Small Businesses Choose DIY IT?

Many smaller businesses choose a DIY approach to IT due to potential cost savings. Tight budgets often mean sacrificing IT and cybersecurity support. Business owners may even rely on a tech-savvy employee or family member. As Internos CEO Jairo Avila says, “Sometimes we want to learn something, we want to figure it out. And doing it yourself is a great way.” The accessibility of online tools and guides reinforces this mentality, making it seem like a viable option. 

While you might be able to address burning IT issues, as a business owner or leader, you might overlook the bigger complex picture of IT. This is particularly true when it comes to cybersecurity. Setting up basic systems can be straightforward, but ensuring security and compliance with industry standards is a different matter entirely, especially without an IT plan.

Common Technology Mistakes

Organizations frequently make these small business technology mistakes when managing their own IT:

Security Oversights

One common small business technology mistake is assuming antivirus software and strong passwords are enough. Jairo warns “A little knowledge is dangerous: what’s really dangerous is when you don’t know what you don’t know.”’

To have a strong cybersecurity approach, you need to have a multi-layered strategy. Cybersecurity is more than just software; it’s a balance of people, processes and technology. Missteps in this area will leave a business vulnerable to cyberattacks like data breaches and ransomware attacks.

Poor IT Management

This small business technology mistake involves two key components: outdated systems and noncompliance.

Neglecting software and hardware updates can create vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. To avoid this risk, make sure your software and hardware are always up-to-date.

Ensuring compliance is difficult, no matter the size of your business. However, small businesses might need more staff to have someone handling all of the legal and regulatory requirements. An IT company can ensure your systems and processes meet compliance requirements.

Ignoring Long-Term Risks

The time that is spent fixing these IT issues will likely detract from focusing on your core business activity. Not leveraging IT support in some capacity can also mean longer downtimes when technology isn’t working. 

A DIY IT approach can have long-term effects operationally and financially: Keep in mind that recovering from data breaches or system failures can cost far more than investing in proper IT support upfront.

The Risks of DIY IT

While DIY IT may seem like a cost-effective solution, it often leads to unforeseen consequences. Many small businesses don’t realize the risks they are taking until it’s too late. Data breaches, compliance violations and prolonged downtime are just a few examples. When you are in the middle of a problem it can be overwhelming to find your way out. 

The long-term costs of fixing these small business technology mistakes may even outweigh the initial savings. For example, a ransomware attack could involve paying thousands of dollars in ransom, rebuilding systems and even paying legal fees. But, by leveraging an IT and cybersecurity company, attacks are typically prevented or caught early.

When to Call In the Professionals

So, when is it time to hire in-house IT support or outsource? Here are some of the signs: 

• Systems and solutions that no longer meet the demands of your growing business
• Increased frequency of IT issues, downtime and security threats
• Concerns about compliance with legal and industry standards 

A professional IT service provider or in-house IT staff can help create tailored solutions to meet the needs of your business and keep your company secure and your technology working.

Ready to Say Goodbye to DIY IT?

Small business technology mistakes can have devastating consequences for your business. The DIY approach may work for a while but sooner or later, IT help will be needed. Avoid these pitfalls early by having an IT company help support your organization. If you’re ready to see how we can help your business, book a meeting with us.